Jetsettersblog

DoubleTree by Hilton will open its first hotel in Indonesia, following the signing of a management agreement with PT Nurtirta Nusa Lestari. Scheduled to open in 2014, the 261-room DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta-Diponegoro, Indonesia will be conveniently located two kilometers away from the “Golden Triangle,” Jakarta’s key commercial zone and the high-end Jalan Diponegoro area, where several embassies and many government officials are located. The 15-story DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta-Diponegoro will have an all-day dining restaurant and a bar, as well as a business center, health club, a spa, an outdoor pool, a ballroom and car parking facilities.

MesaStila, one of Central Java’s leading wellness retreats is offering the perfect endurance training escape; ride the hills around four volcanoes, and run in a stunning natural jungle environment… These three night programs are planned to help athletes ramp up their cycling fitness! The camps are also phased to compliment “peaking” for both the Sri Lanka and Singapore 70.3 Half Ironman competitions.

Camp 1: Friday February 3rd to Monday February 6th
Camp 2: Friday March 2nd to Monday March 5th

Designed to magnify your bike fitness, with some epic hills and strong sessions; includes run and swim options*. Because MesaStila is a wellness retreat, non-training partners may also enjoy spa treatments, healthy eating, cleansing programs, leisurely fitness activities and a great space to relax and rejuvenate.
*Triathletes are welcome – cyclists note that all swim/run sessions are optional

Five sessions of endurance training over a three night stay:
•Friday: arrival with relaxing run or swim; with a massage and Hammam steam session
•Saturday: 3-4 hour hill ride with 10-12km brick run on a hilly course
•Sunday: 5 to 6-hour epic hill ride up and around four volcanoes / optional afternoon swim**
•Monday: pre-departure core conditioning class

Daily:
oPost-training massages on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
oDaily Hammam-steam sessio
oPre-training snack
oHealthy breakfast, lunch and dinner
oPost-training stretch class to supplement endurance trainin

Led by Bryan Hoare: ten-time Ironman athlete and IM-Hawaii finisher, A-grade cyclist (Australia), ultra-endurance athlete and masters-degree qualified exercise & nutrition specialist…

**All swimming is done in short 15m pool – using a swim tether to allow constant swimming – tips on technique will be offered

3 Night all inclusive packages: Single: USD 1,120 ++ Double: USD 1,540 ++ (USD 770 ++ per person)

MORE INFORMATION
Retreat property…
A luxury property hidden-away in fifty-five acres of gardens and coffee plantation, MesaStila has supported nearly 100 years of habitation in its various forms – from plantation owners to resort guests. This heritage site blends Colonial, Javanese and Contemporary architecture in a heritage property this is situated eight hundred meters above sea level and overlooks eight surrounding volcanoes.

Food & sports nutrition…
All meals will be provided, though athletes are recommended to bring their own specialized fuel; hom-made healthy nut and oat cookies and Pocari Sweat will be provided for all rides.
Bike support…

A mechanic will be available to assist with any problems at the resort; staff will clean your bike each day after you ride and bikes may be stored in your villa. Back-up motorbikes will allow riders to have some support on the larger Java roads; although most riding is done on low-use roads.

Bali’s Boshe VVIP Club will be organising the Boshe Dance Festival 2012, encouraging talented performers to compete for cash prizes.

BALI, INDONESIA– Dancers will be competing against each other for fame and fortune at the Boshe Dance Festival 2012, which commences in Bali in February.

Kicking off on February 8th at the Boshe VVIP Club, the festival will be free to enter and will allow performers to compete either on their own, or as part of groups of between three and eight people.

Showcasing dance styles such as salsa, modern and street, it will present competitors with the opportunity to put themselves in the spotlight, as well as giving them a chance to claim up to 32 million rupiah (GBP2,300) in prizes.

Elimination rounds will be held on February 8th, 15th and 22nd, with the semi-final to be held on the 27th and the grand final occurring on March 7th.

Prizes will be awarded to the overall winner and two runners-up, while further honours are available for the crowd favourites and those with the best make-up, choreography and costumes.

The festival takes place at one of Bali’s hottest club venues, which is located in the Kuta district and offers live music, dancing and karaoke.

A strong economy and increased tourism arrivals are inspiring increased interest by hoteliers in Indonesia. The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) will open the new 270-room Crowne Plaza Semarang on Jan. 22. Owned by the Golden Flower Group, the hotel will be managed by IHG.

The first Crowne Plaza hotel in Central Java is strategically located at Semarang’s central business district, near government and regional corporate offices, major banks and shopping malls. The hotel is also a 15-minute drive from Ahmad Yani Airport. “Being the first Crowne Plaza-branded hotel in Central Java — and the second in Indonesia following Jakarta — Crowne Plaza Semarang will add to the thriving tourism and economic activities in this part of the region,” said Ian Reid, general manager of Crowne Plaza Semarang. “As one of the country’s busiest hubs, Semarang is an ideal gateway connecting both business and leisure guests who travel domestically and internationally.” All rooms and suites are well-equipped with amenities for guests to stay connected, such as docking stations, and wired and wireless Internet access.

Guests of the Club rooms and suites have access to the Club Lounge and a personalized check-in/check-out area. For extended-stay travelers, the hotel has four suite units that each come with two or three bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, laundry facilities and entertainment systems. Crowne Plaza Semarang includes restaurants offering popular local and international cuisines, a business center, a fully-facilitated health club, an outdoor pool and a sauna. It also features the largest pillar-less hotel ballroom in Central Java that can accommodate more than 2,000 people, complete with a wedding chapel and gallery.

“The opening of Crowne Plaza Semarang underscores IHG’s strong expansion in Southeast Asia,” said Alan Watts, IHG’s vice president of operations, Southeast Asia. “Indonesia has reflected strong GDP growth in the past few years. This encourages long-term economic and tourism growth in terms of investments, infrastructural developments and employment opportunities, while continuing to be a favorite travel destination for both business and leisure travelers.”

In 2011 alone, Indonesia recorded 7.63 million tourist arrivals, representing a 9 percent growth from the previous year. The country targets 8.72 million tourist arrivals by the end of 2015. The opening of Crowne Plaza Semarang marks IHG’s seventh property in Indonesia — two of which are under the Crowne Plaza brand. IHG currently has a pipeline of 32 hotels and resorts under the group’s brands across the region. The first quarter of 2012 will see IHG opening three other new properties in Southeast Asia — Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam, InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort, InterContinental Danang Resort, and Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit 22.

Guests can bring out their romantic side with YTL Hotels by whisking their significant other away to one of YTL Hotels’ stellar collection of luxurious properties. The three day/ two night Valentine’s Day packages are available at Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali, Tanjong Jara Resort, Pangkor Laut Resort, The Majestic Malacca, and Cameron Highlands Resort. Each Valentine’s package includes an indulgent two hour romantic Spa Village signature treatment; a unique chocolate body scrub with a rose aromatherapy massage, complete with a rose milk bath, all crafted exclusively for this occasion. The package also includes meals, such as an intimate candlelit dinner for two, a bottle of champagne or a non-alcoholic sparkling juice, a bed adorned with flower petals and a relaxing Lovers’ Bath.

Often only an impulsive notion to bring your significant other away to a secluded tropical island, guests can turn this fantasy into a reality with a memorable stay at the award-winning private island, Pangkor Laut Resort. As part of the package, guests can avail of round trip ferry transfers between Marina Island Pangkor Laut and the resort. A choice of a set lunch either by the poolside at the Royal Bay Beach Club or by one of world’s best beaches, Emerald Bay, at Chapman’s Bar is included along with a romantic candlelit dinner for two. The price for the Pangkor Laut Resort Valentine’s Day Package starts at MYR 3,484++ (*£727) for a Garden Villa per couple which can be upgraded to Hill, Sea or Spa, depending on availability at check-in.

To make their Valentine’s an Unmistakably Malay experience, guests can take the Tanjong Jara Resort Valentine’s Package and enjoy chocolate dipped strawberries while relaxing in their Lovers’ Bath on the first night of arrival. A set lunch is provided at the Nelayan as well as a special candlelit dinner for two.

The price for the Tanjong Jara Resort Valentine’s Day Package starts at MYR 2,472++ (*£516) per room per couple and guests can be upgraded to Serambi upon check-in, depending on availability.

Add strawberries and mystery for a unique and romantic Valentine’s Day experience with Cameron Highlands Resort’s Valentine’s Package. At turn down, guests are spoiled with indulgent treats; chocolate pralines, sweet strawberries with dipping chocolates and cream.

Along with a provided set lunch and candlelit dinner for two, guests will also enjoy an English Afternoon Tea.

The price for the Cameron Highlands Resort’s Valentine’s Day Package starts at MYR 2,472++ (*£515).

The Majestic Malacca makes the perfect romantic hotel getaway. During their stay, guests can enjoy a Peranakan Afternoon Tea, a set lunch in The Mansion and a special candlelit dinner for two. The price for The Majestic Malacca’s Valentine’s Day Package starts MYR 2,372++ (*£495).

Guests can make their Valentine’s experience a tranquil break by staying at Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali. From the moment guests step off the plane, they are taken in comfort to their destination with round trips from Denpasar airport to the resort provided. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided for the duration of the stay, including an intimate candlelit dinner for two. The price for the Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali’s Valentine’s Day Package starts at MYR 2,746++ (*£573) and guests can be upgraded to the Suite upon check-in, depending on availability.

YTL Hotels’ luxurious properties make the ideal setting for a memorable and surreal Valentine’s experience. Guests can benefit from these packages from the 1st of February until the 29th of February 2012. Along with a collection of memories, guests will be able to take away with them a personal memento to treasure their Valentine’s experience with YTL Hotels.

www.ytlhotels.com

MesaStila – a place of transformation and rejuvenation, a space to welcome the Year of the Dragon and embrace longevity, health and prosperity, eliminate the negative Chi and revive your soul. From Wellness experience to cultural explorations, breathe out the fire of the past year and welcome the magic and power of nature with her volcanoes.

Packages are from USD 1,100++ for single or USD 1,550++ for double occupnacy, based on 4 days/3 nights

MesaStila General Information

In a world where pollution, noise, crowds, unhealthy diets and stress are the norm; MesaStila offers an escape – a true “sanctuary” from the noxious daily grind.

MesaStila offers a distinct Javanese flavour – with traditional martial-arts; Java-coffee scrubs; Javanese food with a healthy twist; an immersion to the healthy-healing garden of Losari and the service of skilled local practitioners who offer traditional healing services: from Jamu to Javanese massage.

The fundamental retreat elements are offered through the stillness of the lush vegetation, the calming cents from our functioning coffee plantation, the intensity of the incredible views and the familiar warmth from the people that life in nearby villages. furthermore: passionate staff; the healing essence of two of Asia’s most authentic Hammams; genuine Hammam treatments; a variety of exceptional wellbeing offerings; Spa treatments that range from intense scrubs and cleanses, to deeply relaxing body treatments; healthy-cooking classes and physical activities that incorporate aspects such as Yoga, Jungle Gym and Pencak Silat.

MesaStila is nine hundred meters above sea level and has been composed as a labour-of-love by its various owners over the years; supporting over one-hundred and eighty years of habitation in many forms – from plantation owners to resort guests. The property includes such relics as a Colonial-era railway station, the prior residence of a Javanese Prince and the original plantation owner’s house from 1828; all surrounded by coffee trees that have been grafted and grown from the original Robusta-Arabica plants nearly two hundred years ago.

Representing the finest in luxury hospitality, the YTL Hotels’ collection offers experiences that are unique yet consistent in quality, luxury, authenticity and service. Crafting yet another inspired experience, discover The Straits to Luxury Experience, the latest five day, four night programme in this prestigious collection, available from November to March only. Set sail onboard a Princess yacht and embark on a voyage of boutique-luxury from the private island of Pangkor Laut, on the Straits of Malacca to the diverse attractions of Phuket, set along the clear waters of the Andaman Sea. Luxuriate in overnight excursions, exotic cuisine and award-winning resorts nestled amidst locations of outstanding natural beauty.

This one-of-a-kind journey for discerned guests begins at the world-renowned island of Pangkor Laut where guests will enjoy a one night stay at The Estates at Pangkor Laut, individually crafted enclaves that were designed to capture the spirit of traditional Southeast Asian estates. Offering absolute and total privacy, each Estate is serviced by a personal butler and a chef who prepares each meal to cater for individual taste and dietary requirements. Guests can choose to travel to Pangkor Laut by helicopter or a chartered yacht from the mainland in addition to the package. Spend the day with nature amidst the two-million-year-old rainforest or simply relax by the emerald waters on the pristine private beach the next day before being whisked away in the evening on the YTL Lady II to Langkawi, the second destination on the programme.

The powerful and agile YTL Lady II is an 85 foot Princess Motor Yacht that is ideally suited for long-range cruises. With its draft-reducing propeller tunnels and deep V hull, it allows smooth handling and superior seakeeping. Guests on board the YTL Lady II can enjoy the comfortable and stylish interior, or bask in the sun on the spacious flybridge and secluded foredeck. The luxurious Princess yacht accommodates up to six people with two double ensuite rooms and two twin ensuite rooms, making it ideally suited for couples and small groups. A professional crew and a personal chef are appointed to cater to the whim of every guest throughout the journey.

The mystical island of Langkawi affords guests the opportunity to explore the exotic mangroves, a bat cave, local fishing villages, limestone rock formations along with many more activities before enjoying a delicious seafood lunch. They can choose to take a leisurely cycling tour around villages or discover legends and attractions on an island tour before departing for Ko Rok Nok in the evening.

Following an indulgent dining experience on the yacht, guests can retire to their luxurious cabin with only the peaceful sound of the sea to listen to. The following morning holds nothing but promise with the beautiful white-sand beach and colourful coral gardens of Ko Rok Nok, an uninhabited island off the west coast of Thailand. After spending a day swimming, snorkelling, or relaxing on the beach, the chef serves a delightful picnic lunch on the beach, prepared just for them. In the evening, guests can watch the sun set while enjoying a romantic barbecue dinner on the beach with a delectable offering of fresh seafood and mouthwatering meats.

After a refreshing slumber amongst some of the world’s most exquisite islands, guests are greeted by the spectacular view of Ko Kai island where steep cliffs form one end of the island, while the other end offers beautiful beaches along a peninsula. They can enjoy a morning of snorkelling where they can marvel at the array of marine life and coral below. After lunch, guests will be taken to the six islands of Ko Phi Phi, made famous by the British-American film featuring Leonardo DiCaprio; ‘The Beach’ where they can witness the natural paradise of the long white sandy beaches, limestone cliffs and verdant jungle.

One final magical night awaits with a tantalising dinner accompanied by the splendour of the wondrous scenery surrounding them. The following morning, guests will be transported to the Ao Po Grand Marina where they can choose to conclude this magnificent cruise with a stay in the exquisite accommodation of The Surin, the intimate Villa Tassana, or another resort of preference.
Guests can book this luxuriously exclusive one-way cruise for USD45,000. If they wish to extend the experience, they can also arrange a return journey on YTL Hotels’ Princess yacht back to Pangkor Laut.

About YTL Hotels
YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad. The Company owns and manages a prestigious award winning collection of individually unique resorts, hotels and spas including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the world’s best resort in 2003. With their expansion, YTL Hotels now has hotels in Saint-Tropez, Niseko Village, Shanghai and Borneo in 2012, in addition to the portfolio in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the UK. YTL Hotels brings a natural essence of culture, character and tradition to each destination embracing different luxurious experiences.

Visit www.ytlhotels.com  for more information.

The Tri Hita Karana (THK) concept is a set of principles guiding operating practices in the hotel and tourism community in Bali. Three times a year, representatives from the THK authority visit to assess hotels’ performances against the principles. In the case of environment, they will assess everything from laundry chemicals being bio-degradable and garbage disposal systems, to how advanced their recycling program has become. They will also seek evidence of contribution to industry education programs and how much the resorts participate in external campaigns to assist the greater environment.

Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas & Spa proved its commitment and the importance given to environmental and Balinese philosophy. Its 17 suites and luxury villas located in Ubud, the artistic and cultural heart of the island of Bali, fit in with the decor and is the appropriate setting for a holistic getaway. The exterior of the resort reflects traditional Bali — its gardens and stone walls carved with sculptures are examples of the island’s heritage. Colonial-style furniture, art objects, fabrics and quality materials accentuated by views of the surrounding nature, the Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas & Spa has many assets and is committed to preserving the richness of the Bali.

Environmental friendliness and attention to teamwork and training are among the core fundamentals exercised by hotel management, giving the Warwick Ibah for the second consecutive year the gold medal Tri Hita Karana Tourism Award in the four-star hotels’ category.

The history of the resort’s THK accreditations include the 2011-12 Gold Medal, the 2010-11 Gold Medal, the 2009-10 Silver Medal; the 2008-09 Silver Medal, the 2007-08 Silver Medal, the 2006-07 Bronze Medal, the 2005-06 Silver Medal and the 2004-05 Bronze Medal.

The Villas Bali Hotel & Spa in Seminyak has been announced as Indonesia’s Leading Spa Resort 2011/2012 by Indonesia Travel & Tourism Award Foundation and The Board of Advisors at a glittering awards ceremony in Jakarta.

Industry representatives gathered at the gala dinner, which has been dubbed the Oscars of the Indonesian Tourism Industry, to recognise outstanding success by Indonesia’s tourism businesses.

General Manger Andrew Keating said, “on behalf of our loyal staff I am delighted to have The Villas recognised by the renowned Indonesia Travel & Tourism Award Foundation and look forward to continuing to build the strong brand position The Villas & Prana Spa already enjoys”.

The Villas Bali Hotel & Spa has established itself as one of Bali’s finest and most enchanting villa style hotel resorts. The consistent level of service through high staff-to-guest ratios combined with an exceptional range of pampering treatments in Prana Spa ensures a true indulgent experience which has resulted in the Villas not only being awarded this latest award as Indonesia’s Leading Spa Resort, but also joins the prestigious Trip Advisor award earlier this year having been voted in the Top 10 Relaxation/Spa Hotels across Asia.

The Villas has invested strongly through innovation in a range of areas to keep the Villas & Prana Spa top of mind among potential visitors. “This ITTA category win recognises the important work we have done and continue to do in this area.”

“Spa culture has gained significant importance over the last few years and we made the conscious decision not to limit ourselves, we have created a great range of treatment options in line with the latest innovations and evolved The Villas into a sanctuary of well-being dedicated to relaxation,” Mr Keating continued.

Timed to coincide with the winning of such a major award, The Villas and Prana Spa has a special deal on offer for direct bookings only, for a holiday of 3 nights or more, each new booking will enjoy a complimentary 2 hour Ayurvedic Simple Bliss Package in Prana Spa for each adult within the booking. (T&C’s apply including – Must be booked and taken between 18th November 2011 and 29th February 2012 also not available from the 19th of December 2011 till the 5th of January 2012, subject to availability, please ask for further information).

JET AIRWAYS STRENGHTENS ITS PRESENCE IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Jet Airways has strengthened its connectivity with the United Arab Emirates with the introduction of two new flights.

The Indian airline now operates its first daily flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Sharjah. Flight 9W570 departs Thiruvananthapuram at 10:00 hours local time, arriving in Sharjah at 12:40 hours. The return flight, 9W569, leaves Sharjah at 13:40 hours, arriving at Thiruvananthapuram at 19:00 hours local time. The flight commenced operation on the 31st October 2011. This new service will complement current operations from Kochi to Sharjah.

Jet Airways will also be adding a daily flight from Mumbai to Riydah, making it the first carrier to offer twice daily flights to the destination. Flight 9W526 will leave Mumbai at 14:00 hours, arriving in Riyadh at 16:00 hours. The inbound flight will depart Riyadh at 17:00 hours arriving in Mumbai at 23:15 hours. The flight will come into effect from the 14th December.

Jet Airways now serves 10 destinations in the Middle Eastern region including flights to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Doha, Kuwait, Muscat, Sharjah, Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammamam.

JET AIRWAYS INCREASES SERVICES TO BANGKOK
Jet Airways will introduce a third early morning service to Bangkok from Mumbai effective from the 14th December, making it the only airline with triple frequency on this sector. The Indian airline has added the extra flight to meet growing demand for the route, benefitting both business and leisure travellers. Flight 9W70 will depart Mumbai at 07:45 hours and arrive in Bangkok at 13:30 hours. The return flight (9W69) will leave Bangkok at 14:30 hours and arrive in Mumbai at 17:30 hours. Passengers embarking on the service from Mumbai to Bangkok will enjoy the facilities on board the state- of the- art Boeing 737-800.

JET AIRWAYS CONNECTS MADURAI WITH BANGALORE AND CHENNAI
Jet Airways has added new daily flights from Madurai to Chennai and Bangalore which came into effect as of the 31st October. These extra flights have been introduced to meet the growing demand for travel between these cities. Flight 9W2769 departs Madurai daily (except Tuesdays and Saturdays) at 12:25 hours, arriving into Bangalore at 13:40 hours. While the return flight (9W2770) leaves Bangalore at 14:10 hours, arriving back in Madurai at 15:25 hours.

In addition Jet Airways now offers a daily service between Chennai and Madurai. The outbound flight (9W2725) leaves Chennai at 10:35 hours arriving in Madurai at 11:55 hours. While the inbound flight leaves Madurai at 16:10 hours arriving in Chennai at 17:30 hours except on a Tuesday and Saturday when it departs at 12:25 hours arriving in Chennai at 13:45 hours.

JETLITE INTRODUCES ADDTIONAL FLIGHTS FROM AHMEDABAD TO FIVE NEW DESTINATIONS
Ahmedabad is now better connected thanks to Jetlite’s (Jet Airways’ all economy subsidiary) new services to Bengaluru and Delhi with onward flights to Coimbatore, Kolkata and Lucknow. Jetlite will introduce the new Boeing 737 services in its winter schedule in response the growing demand for the respective destinations. The flights came into effect this November.

Guests will now be able to fly from Ahmedabad to Bengaluru and back in a day with the new daily morning service to Bengaluru. Flight 9W7021 will depart Ahemdabad at 06:20 hours arriving in Bengaluru at 08:15 hours. The inbound flight (9W7022) will depart Bengaluru at 21:20 hours and arrive in Ahmedabad at 23:20 hours.

Direct services from Ahmedabad to Delhi have also been introduced. The 9W7105 flight will depart Ahmedabad at 07:15 hours arriving in Delhi at 08:40 hours. Jetlite has also added two return flights from Delhi to Ahmedabad departing at 12:10 (flight 9W7001) and 18:35 (flight 9W7111). The inbound flights will arrive at 13:35 (flight 9W7001) and 19:55 (9W7111) respectively.

Guests will now be able to continue their journey onto Coimbatore and Kolkata via Bengaluru and Lucknow via Delhi.

JET AIRWAYS WELCOMES ITS 100th AIRCRAFT
Jet Airways’ 100th aircraft commenced service this month, marking a major milestone for the Indian airline. The latest addition to the fleet is a new next generation Boeing 737-800 with Sky Interiors configured with 8 Premiere and 162 economy seats.

The Boeing’s Sky Interior is in keeping with the airline’s commitment to continually innovate and differentiate its product for an enhanced in-flight guest experience. The aircraft is replete with the very latest Boeing 787 inspired shape, colour, décor and texture. The Sky Interior features cove lighting, larger windows and curved cabin architecture, providing a feeling of openness and space.

Dynamic light-emitting diode (LED) lighting can portray different colour schemes like a soft blue sky and a relaxing pallet of sunset colours. Other new features include new overhead pivot bins affording greater guest storage capacity. In addition to this, the new Boeing 737 – 800 aircraft possess superior on board, sound quality and clarity through new speakers that have been improved in each passenger row.